Wisconsin Ag Connection - Vaassen to Lead Wisconsin Beef Council as Next Director

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Vaassen to Lead Wisconsin Beef Council as Next Director
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 07/17/2018

A familiar name in Wisconsin's livestock industry will soon be heading the state's beef checkoff program. Tammy Vaassen of Cuba City has been hired to succeed John Freitag as the executive director of the Wisconsin Beef Council after his retirement on October 1.

Vaassen served in various capacities with the Wisconsin Pork Association for the past 25 years, including a stint as executive vice president for the past three years. During her tenure at WPA, she has worked with all aspects of operations including their checkoff, budgets and promotion.

"Tammy has been with us for over a quarter-century and we are going to miss her very much," WPA Board President Jim Magolski told Wisconsin Ag Connection. "We know this opportunity with the Wisconsin Beef Council is an exciting one and we wish her the very best."

A native of southwest Wisconsin, Vaassen graduated from University of Wisconsin at Platteville with a degree in Animal Science. In her new capacity, Vaassen will serve as the chief staff officer of the WBC, which is headquartered in Madison.

Meanwhile, Freitag, who lives near New Glarus, had previously served as director for both the Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association and the Wisconsin Beef Improvement Association. He has led the WBC since 2001.

The WBC works independently and as a team to promote beef and beef products with intent of improving beef's competitive position and to stimulate demand for beef. It's funded by $1 per head checkoff paid by livestock producers on all cattle sold in Wisconsin and operates under the Federal Beef Promotion and Research Act and Order.

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